The unique beauty of casting stones in place

I am a continuous learner and always looking for new ways to add depth of design and skill  to my jewellery. Casting gemstones in place is a process which creates one off pieces that are beautiful and have a quality to them that can not be produced using other jewellery fabricating and stone setting techniques.

The process begins with an impression in the sand, the possibilities are endless ! I have cast rings which I have carved from wax and I have cast tiny acorns which have fallen from trees. The molten silver or gold is poured into the casting flask and finds its way into the impression left in the sand. This in itself is glorious enough but but then we add gemstones into the mix and the finished piece holds sparkle too.

Only some gemstones can withstand the process of being bathed in molten metal, diamonds and sapphires are two. The process creates pieces of jewellery which can never be repeated as during the process many variables impact on the final resting place of the gems. Some gems may be upturned or half covered by metal during the casting and sometimes gems are cast out and a different number of stones remain than was intended. 

The whole process can be repeated over and over again until the artist is happy with the piece which has emerged, no raw materials are ever lost in this process they are just adjusted endlessly by remelting and casting as many times as desired.

It is  also a wonderful way to repurpose old heirloom jewellery or use precious metals which are just sitting and gathering dust at home.

This process is true alchemy and I love it.